Hidden Gems: Meet Kayla Tsongas of Kayla Tsongas Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Tsongas.

Hi Kayla, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Kayla Tsongas, LCSW — My Story

I’ve always been fascinated by what makes us who we are—how early experiences, relationships, and environments shape the way we move through the world. That curiosity led me from studying cultural anthropology at Pitzer College to earning my Master’s in Social Work at USC, where I began working with children, families, and survivors of trauma.

Early in my career, I worked in community settings supporting teens in foster care, adults with disabilities, and parents under immense stress. I was drawn to the quieter, underlying questions beneath people’s struggles—how we come to feel safe, connected, and whole. That focus led me to train in psychodynamic and attachment-based approaches, the NeuroRelational Framework, and DIR/Floortime, all of which deepened my understanding of the mind-body connection and early relational experiences.

Over time, I founded my private practice in Pasadena to create the kind of therapy space I wished existed more often—warm, relational, deeply attuned, and grounded in real tools for change. Today, I specialize in helping adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, and life transitions, as well as parents of strong-willed, neurodiverse, and highly sensitive children. My work blends insight with practicality: we explore the deeper emotional layers while also finding ways to move forward in daily life.

At the heart of my practice is the belief that healing happens in relationship—with ourselves, with others, and within the therapeutic space itself. I feel privileged to do this work and to witness the resilience that unfolds when people feel truly seen.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like most meaningful paths, it hasn’t been entirely smooth—but it’s been deeply worthwhile.

Working in community mental health early in my career taught me so much about resilience and human complexity, but it also meant long hours, limited resources, and learning how to stay grounded while holding the pain of others. Transitioning into private practice brought a new set of challenges—figuring out how to build a business while staying connected to the heart of clinical work, and trusting that clients would find me when I was offering something genuine.

There have also been personal challenges that shaped me as a therapist: learning how to balance being deeply attuned with maintaining my own boundaries, and navigating the vulnerability of growing both professionally and personally. Each stage—though uncomfortable at times—helped me refine what kind of therapist I want to be: one who shows up with both humanity and skill, who knows that growth and struggle often travel together.

We’ve been impressed with Kayla Tsongas Therapy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
About My Practice

My practice, Kayla Tsongas Therapy, is built around one central idea: that meaningful change happens in the context of a safe, attuned relationship. I offer psychotherapy for adults and parents across California—both in-person in Pasadena and virtually statewide.

I specialize in helping adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, and life transitions, and parents of strong-willed, neurodiverse, or highly sensitive children who feel overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to best support their kids while caring for themselves. My approach integrates psychodynamic and attachment-based therapy with practical, here-and-now tools to create change that lasts. Clients often describe my work as a mix of depth and grounding—where they can explore their inner world while also finding clarity and direction in daily life.

What sets my practice apart is the tone and texture of the space itself. I’m intentional about creating a warm, reflective, non-judgmental environment where people can slow down, make sense of their experiences, and reconnect with their emotional world. I see therapy as less about “fixing” and more about deepening understanding, which naturally allows for growth and relief.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that people consistently describe my work as genuine, compassionate, and deeply attuned.

What I’d most want readers to know is that therapy doesn’t have to feel clinical or intimidating. It can feel human, warm, and collaborative—a space where you come home to yourself.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’ve come to see risk as something deeply personal—less about bold leaps and more about the quiet courage it takes to follow what feels true, even when it’s uncertain.

For me, one of the biggest risks was leaving the structure and security of agency work to start my own practice. It meant trusting that I could build something aligned with my values, even when there was no clear roadmap. There were moments of fear—financial, professional, emotional—but I kept coming back to the question, “What feels most authentic?” That’s been my compass ever since.

In therapy and in life, risk often shows up as vulnerability: saying the honest thing, setting a boundary, choosing growth over familiarity. I’ve learned that the most meaningful risks are the ones that bring you closer to who you really are—and allow your life and work to reflect that truth.

Pricing:

• Individual Therapy Sessions (45 minutes): $200 per session
• Sliding Scale: A limited number of reduced-fee spots are available based on need and scheduling availability.
• Insurance: I’m considered an out-of-network provider, which means clients pay directly but can request a superbill to submit to their insurance for potential reimbursement.
• Consultation: I offer a free phone consultation so we can get a sense of fit and answer any questions before starting.
• Location: In-person in Pasadena, CA and virtual throughout California

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kaylatsongastherapy.com
• Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/kayla-tsongas-pasadena-ca/1128766

Image Credits
Christopher Hall